Essam Abdel-Fattah: Referees are afraid to officiate Zamalek matches

Head of refereeing committee Essam Abdel-Fattah has said that referees are too afraid to officiate Zamalek’s matches.

After recent controversy caused by Zamalek chairman, Mortada Mansour, due his side’s 1-0 loss to Misr El-Maqassa; head of refereeing committee Essam Abdel-Fattah has talked to the press and commented on the match’s choice of referee.

Gehad Greisha who is arguably considered one of the continent’s best referees and a candidate to officiate in World Cup failed to award a penalty for Zamalek during the match and has attracted much criticism from Mortada Mansour.

“No referee ever means to make mistakes and these errors of judgement happen all across the world in different leagues.”

The decision not to award Zamalek a penalty has caused massive controversy with Mortada Mansour threatening to withdraw from the league. Abdel-Fattah since then has admitted that the decision was a mistake and expressed his dismay at the call.

Abdel-Fattah has also talked about criticism directed towards referees saying: “We won’t accept insults to be made towards referees who are being used as an excuse as they are always considered the weak link in the footballing society.”